Special Offer for Macaroni Kid Families!
Macaroni Kid Livingston families receive $2 off each admission ticket -
Just let the Guest Admissions Desk know you’re a Macaroni Kid Family!
🗓️ Offer valid through June 30
If you’re looking for a hands-on, educational adventure the whole family will love, Impression 5 Science Center in Lansing is a must-visit destination. Designed to spark curiosity and creativity, Impression 5 invites children (and grown-ups!) to learn through play, experimentation, and discovery, making science accessible, exciting, and unforgettable. It is the ideal location for a day trip from Livingston County filled with fun.
A Mission Rooted in Play and Discovery
Impression 5 Science Center is a dynamic, interactive space where families can play, create, and challenge their understanding of science. Through thoughtfully designed hands-on exhibits and engaging educational programming, the Science Center brings science concepts to life in ways that feel fun, approachable, and inspiring for all ages.
From toddlers to teens, every visit encourages curiosity, problem-solving, and joyful learning.
Fan-Favorite Exhibits for Every Age
One of the best parts about Impression 5? Every guest finds a favorite exhibit.
Popular experiences include:
- Pop! A Bubble Experience - the science of bubbles, experiment with viscosity, and even encase yourself in a full-body bubble.
- Spectrum - A colorful, light-filled space where kids can explore how light works, featuring a giant Lite-Brite wall that’s always a hit.
With dozens of interactive exhibits throughout the building, kids can explore at their own pace, making discoveries that feel personal and exciting.
What’s New at Impression 5?
Impression 5 continues to grow and evolve, giving families something new to discover each time they visit.
- Megawatt - Opened in fall 2024, this Impression 5–created exhibit highlights energy and energy conservation across the state of Michigan.
- Ocean Bound - The Dart Hall of Science refreshes multiple times each year. Currently, families can explore Ocean Bound, an exhibit focused on the life and health of our waterways.
These rotating and newly developed exhibits keep the Science Center fresh and engaging year-round.
 |  |
Hands-On “Wow Moments” You’ll Remember
Expect plenty of hands-on fun - and maybe a little water!
Some standout experiences include:
- Building towering structures with giant blue engineering blocks
- Brushing and flossing a giant mouth while learning about oral health
- Getting soaked in the two-story water room, where kids can use a flywheel to shoot a geyser of water 12 feet into the air
Every corner of Impression 5 is designed to encourage exploration, creativity, and curiosity.
Programs, Camps, Parties & Special Events
Impression 5 offers much more than exhibits. Year-round programming gives kids up to age 14 the chance to dive deeper into science through structured experiences, including:
- Storytime and early learning activities for toddlers
- Sparking Science for ages 2–4 with a caregiver
- Mini L.A.B.S. sessions for kids ages 5–11
- Youth Maker Workshops for ages 12–14
- Scout programs where kids can earn badges
Looking ahead, a Teen Tech Hub is set to open in Fall 2026, offering teens exciting opportunities for tech exploration.
Impression 5 also hosts unforgettable events such as birthday parties, as well as larger celebrations like LEGO®Palooza, Career Exploration Days, and Chemistry Days.
Designed with Young Learners in Mind
Science starts early at Impression 5. The First Impression Room is a dedicated, secure space for children ages birth to 4. Here, young learners can safely explore gravity, water, sensory bins, and more! Perfect for toddlers and preschoolers who love to touch, test, and explore.
Insider Tips for First-Time Visitors
Planning your first visit? Here are a few helpful tips:
- Plan to spend 2–3 hours exploring
- Bring a change of clothes for little ones-the water rooms can get very wet
- Pack a snack (vending machines are available, but no hot food)
- Be ready to get hands-on with everything
- Weekends are the busiest; mid-afternoons Tuesday–Friday are also popular
- Impression 5 is closed on Mondays
Accessibility & Sensory-Friendly Options
Impression 5 is committed to creating an inclusive experience for all families:
- Monthly Sensory Friendly Hours offer a quieter visiting environment
- Sensory-friendly backpacks are available for guests who need them
- The Delta Dental Comfort Zone provides a private, sensory-friendly space for breaks
Community Connections & Future Plans
Impression 5 actively partners with the local community through:
- After-school programs
- Outreach to local schools and events
- Collaborations with Michigan State University and other area institutions
Looking ahead, families can look forward to:
- An outdoor learning space
- A space-themed traveling exhibit arriving this summer
- A brand-new Agriculture exhibit opening in 2027
Plan Your Visit
🎟️
Tickets & Info:
👉
https://impression5.org/ticketing
📱 Follow Impression 5:
- Facebook: facebook.com/impression5
- Instagram: myimpression5
- TikTok: @Impression5ScienceCenter
Special Offer for Macaroni Kid Families!
Macaroni Kid families can receive $2 off each admission ticket - Just let the Guest Admissions Desk know you’re a Macaroni Kid Family!
🗓️ Offer valid through June 30
 |  |  |
PUBLISHER NOTE
Over the years, Impression 5 has been a special place for our family. I spent many seasons exploring the Science Center as a Girl Scout leader with my eldest daughter and later as a Cub Scout and Boy Scout leader for my three boys. From earning badges to free‑play exploration days, Impression 5 was the backdrop for countless learning moments, laughter, and memories we still talk about today. It’s also the perfect distance for Livingston County families looking to turn a visit into a full day trip - easy enough for a drive, but far enough to feel like an adventure.
After exploring Impression 5, families can extend the fun with nearby attractions like Potter Park Zoo or the Michigan History Center, both just minutes away. And when it’s time to refuel, Lansing offers plenty of family‑friendly dining options, including Soup Spoon Café for comforting favorites, Kewpee Sandwich Shoppe for an Olive Burger, or Sidecar Slider Bar for hand held favorites. It’s the kind of day that blends learning, togetherness, and fun-exactly what family outings should be.
